If you are in the middle of house hunting, you may well know that the whole home buying process can be daunting. Whether you are a first-time buyer or a seasoned homeowner of several properties, it's important to consider certain insurance factors when shopping for a new house. Although homeowners insurance in Antioch, CA may not be high on your list of considerations when looking for your next home, it should be. Insuring a property can add to your list of expenses, so it's wise to choose the right house for all of your needs.

How far away is the nearest fire department?

Homes that are located near fire stations (or even fire hydrants) are often cheaper to insure than those further away. This is because having fire stations (with professional firefighters) and water hydrants nearby can result in reduced damage in the event of a fire.

What is the condition of the building?

Naturally, buildings that are built using disaster-resistant materials and that are designed to meet current building codes are likely to better withstand natural disasters. This translates to better premiums for homeowners.

What is the condition of the plumbing/electrical systems?

If the plumbing and electrical systems have been poorly maintained and are generally unsafe, you can expect higher premiums for insurance.

Is the home at risk from flooding?

Even in California, homes can flood. Evaluate if the home is located near a water source, has previously flooded, or is located on a flood plain. If so, you will need to take out flood insurance.

Did the previous homeowners file claims?

Believe it or not, but insurers look into the property's claim history. If the previous homeowners have filed a claim, then you could face higher premiums yourself, even if you did not own the property at that point. Ask the homeowners while house hunting for better insight into the history of claims.

Is the home vulnerable to wind damage?

Homes located on or near the coast may be costlier to insure than those on land because of greater exposure to wind/hurricane, resulting in increased damage.

What is the condition of the roof?

The condition of the roof, including its type, age, and whether or not it is fire/hail resistant, may impact your home insurance rates.

Is the home at risk of earthquake damage?

Earthquakes are common in California, and they are not covered under a standard home insurance policy. Therefore, if your home is located in an earthquake-prone area, you may need to take out an earthquake insurance policy.

Does the home have liability hazards?

Homes with swimming pools, trampolines, wood stoves, and hot tubs may be expensive to insure, as they are more vulnerable to liability issues. You may also need an excess or umbrella liability policy to provide added protection against lawsuits for bodily injury and property damage.

Does the home have safety and security features?

Homes with deadbolt locks, smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and burglar alarms cost less to insure than those without these features.

Once you've found your dream property, it's time to insure it! When you're ready to secure a quality homeowners insurance policy, talk to the friendly experts at Jack Stone Insurance Agency. We serve Antioch, Brentwood, and surrounding cities in California. Contact us today to get started!